The San Jose Mercury News gives more details on what led to the demise of KLIV this weekend.
Empire Broadcasting has sold the land that houses KLIV’s four tower array and the studios of KLIV and Country 95.3 KRTY Los Gatos to developers. KRTY will be relocating to new studios in March.
Owner Bob Kieve is trying to work out a deal with the city of San Jose to donate the KLIV license to the city with the intent to use the station to broadcast city council meetings, key committee meetings and other events.
Original Report 1/25: Empire Broadcasting has announced that Classic Country “Country Gold 1590” KLIV San Jose will sign-off at the end of this weekend.
In an on-air announcement, owner Bob Kieve stated that the station will go dark for awhile but the company intends to relaunch it with a new format.
Sad News. I go back to having listed to KLIV when they were "Rock 16", and had the privilege to work at KARA/KLIV as a board opp while attending San Jose State. #EndOfAnEra
— Darryl Martin (@Kingshark49) January 24, 2019
KLIV flipped from its three decade old News format to 80s/90s based Country in June 2016. Sean Ross did a “First Listen” of the station then.
Empire Broadcasting will continue to operate Country 95.3 KRTY Los Gatos/San Jose.